Chicago museum unveils 'Star Wars' exhibit

CHICAGO, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry unveiled its new "Star Wars" exhibit last week, including memorabilia from the classic films.

While more than 60 items, ranging from characters' costumes to odd props, are included in the new collection, it was the appearance of "Star Wars" director George Lucas that likely had visitors most excited during the exhibit's launch, the Chicago Tribune said Sunday.

Lucas said during Friday's opening he created his science fiction works in part to expand the imaginations of generations of youngsters.

"'Star Wars' was designed to stimulate the imagination of young kids. It was to get kids to think and use their imagination and go home and draw pictures and make their own stories," said Lucas, who also wrote the famous films.

The Tribune said "Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination," which will run at the Chicago museum until Jan. 6, even includes a model of "Star Wars" hero Han Solo's Millennium Falcon.